Catching prospect Max Stassi putting injuries behind him

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros catching prospect Max Stassi has had a tough time with injuries in his career, the last of them a fastball that caught him in the face in August for what still stands as the only RBI he’s collected as a big leaguer.

That type of injury, of course, isn’t exactly one that a few extra stretches could have helped him avoid. Stassi turns 23 next month, and he thinks the suggestion he’s injury prone is a false one.

“It’s just kind of an unfortunate label that people label me as but I quite frankly don’t really care what people think,” Stassi said. “I know how my body feels. People can say whatever they want. … All that’s in the past now. I feel 100 percent, ready to go.”

As capable as Jason Castro is, Stassi might be the Astros’ catcher of the future. He was part of the Jed Lowrie trade with the A’s last February, and he came over with a power bat and high-rated receiving skills. The California native hit a career-high 17 home runs in just 76 games at Class AA Corpus Christi. Ten of the homers came in a 15-game stretch in July.

Stassi underwent hernia surgery last spring, an operation that he believes and hopes cured the root ailment of oblique issues he’s dealt with. His career-high for games played in a season is 110.

Looking back on the three big league games he played — Stassi came back in September after being conked on the head in August — Stassi said it was just a “crazy time, crazy five weeks.”

Stassi has not played for Class AAA Oklahoma City yet, and with Castro and Carlos Corporan set to handle catching duties at Minute Maid Park, there’s no logical reason Stassi would be anywhere besides Oklahoma City to start the year, barring health issues. Unlike most of the pitchers in camp, Stassi doesn’t exactly have a job to win — unless the Astros get creative and try Castro at first base.

“I just go out and play hard and let things take care of themselves,” Stassi said. “Let the decision makers make those decisions. … Learn as much as I can from Corporan and Castro. Those are the guys that have been there. Just the little things of the day-to-day grind, what they do to prepare themselves, scouting reports.”

Here are 25 things to look out for at Osceola County Stadium this spring.

Here are 25 things to look out for at Osceola County Stadium this spring.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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1. – Righthander Mark Appel, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, will get a chance to showcase his impressive repertoire and make a case for an eventual call up to the majors.

1. – Righthander Mark Appel, the top overall pick in the 2013 draft, will get a chance to showcase his impressive repertoire and make a case for an eventual call up to the majors.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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2. – Right fielder George Springer will land in Kissimmee with the hopes of a fan base resting on his shoulders. The expectations are unfair, of course, but that’s what happens after you combine for 37 home runs, 45 stolen bases and 108 RBIs in 2013 between Class AA Corpus Christi and Class AAA Oklahoma City. less

2. – Right fielder George Springer will land in Kissimmee with the hopes of a fan base resting on his shoulders. The expectations are unfair, of course, but that’s what happens after you combine for 37 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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3. Jonathan Singleton, whose road to the majors was stalled by a 50-game suspension at the start of last season, reclaimed his spot as one of the top first base prospects in all of baseball with a brilliant winter ball showing in Puerto Rico. After a disappointing 2013, Singleton will get plenty of at-bats this spring to show if he’s ready. less

3. Jonathan Singleton, whose road to the majors was stalled by a 50-game suspension at the start of last season, reclaimed his spot as one of the top first base prospects in all of baseball with a brilliant ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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4. Righthander Mike Foltynewicz will amaze you with a fastball that routinely hits 100 mph. In a farm system loaded with quality arms, this 6-4 kid will remind folks of J.R. Richard.

4. Righthander Mike Foltynewicz will amaze you with a fastball that routinely hits 100 mph. In a farm system loaded with quality arms, this 6-4 kid will remind folks of J.R. Richard.

Photo: Michael Zamora / Corpus Christi Caller-Times

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5. Shortstop Carlos Correa is still a teenager, but the Puerto Rican will be in his first major league camp. Other Astros prospects may be much closer to the majors, but Correa is arguably the Astros’ top overall prospect. less

5. Shortstop Carlos Correa is still a teenager, but the Puerto Rican will be in his first major league camp. Other Astros prospects may be much closer to the majors, but Correa is arguably the Astros’ top ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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6. All-Star catcher Jason Castro tweaked his swing in the winter leading into last spring training, and the minor changes worked wonders. Now he just needs to get through spring training healthy. The recent Stanford graduate will be counted on to lead on the field and in the clubhouse. less

6. All-Star catcher Jason Castro tweaked his swing in the winter leading into last spring training, and the minor changes worked wonders. Now he just needs to get through spring training healthy. The recent ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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7. Who will win the first base job? Considering that Chris Carter is the likely DH, Marc Krauss, Jesus Guzman, Japhet Amador, Singleton and Brett Wallace will get plenty of at-bats to make their cases.

7. Who will win the first base job? Considering that Chris Carter is the likely DH, Marc Krauss, Jesus Guzman, Japhet Amador, Singleton and Brett Wallace will get plenty of at-bats to make their cases.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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8. Japhet Amador, a former Mexican League star, will cast a huge shadow this spring. The 6-4, 315-pound slugger was one of the top sluggers south of the border, and he’ll be hard to missed. He hit 36 home runs in Mexico last year, earning a contract from Jeff Luhnow. less

8. Japhet Amador, a former Mexican League star, will cast a huge shadow this spring. The 6-4, 315-pound slugger was one of the top sluggers south of the border, and he’ll be hard to missed. He hit 36 home ... more

Photo: Jam Media / Getty Images

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9. Righthander Jarred Cosart flirted with a no-hitter in his major-league debut, and he remained impressive until he was shut down in mid September. He’ll try to refine his off-speed pitches in hopes of proving that he can be a front-of-the-rotation pitcher. less

9. Righthander Jarred Cosart flirted with a no-hitter in his major-league debut, and he remained impressive until he was shut down in mid September. He’ll try to refine his off-speed pitches in hopes of ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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10. Seven years and seven teams since he last pitched for the Astros, righthander Chad Qualls will be called upon to help shore up the back end of the bullpen. He’ll fight for the closer’s spot this spring.

10. Seven years and seven teams since he last pitched for the Astros, righthander Chad Qualls will be called upon to help shore up the back end of the bullpen. He’ll fight for the closer’s spot this spring.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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11. Jesse Crain was one of the best setup men in baseball last year, earning an American League All-Star nod with the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately for him, however, he missed the second half of the season because of a right shoulder injury. The Astros signed him to a one-year deal in hopes that he bounces back from the injury and helps in the back end of the bullpen. less

11. Jesse Crain was one of the best setup men in baseball last year, earning an American League All-Star nod with the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately for him, however, he missed the second half of the season ... more

Photo: Michael Zagaris / Getty Images

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12. Six Astros minor-league clubs reached the postseason in 2013, and many of the top prospects have earned non-roster invitations to spring training. The front and back fields at Osceola County Stadium will be packed with high-end talent this spring, so it will pay to take a stroll to the back fields to watch the future stars. less

12. Six Astros minor-league clubs reached the postseason in 2013, and many of the top prospects have earned non-roster invitations to spring training. The front and back fields at Osceola County Stadium will ... more

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13. Shortstop Jonathan Villar is one of the most dynamic players in baseball, as he proved while stealing home easily in one game last year. Even his bloopers are worthy of the highlight reel. The Astros will work on his discipline and baseball instincts while trying to maintain his energy. less

13. Shortstop Jonathan Villar is one of the most dynamic players in baseball, as he proved while stealing home easily in one game last year. Even his bloopers are worthy of the highlight reel. The Astros will ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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14. Left fielder Robbie Grossman proved to be one of the feel-good stories of the year for the Astros as a rookie until an oblique injury robbed him of the final month of the season. He’s healthy and ready to claim the left field opening day spot this spring. less

14. Left fielder Robbie Grossman proved to be one of the feel-good stories of the year for the Astros as a rookie until an oblique injury robbed him of the final month of the season. He’s healthy and ready ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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15. Although he’s overshadowed by some of the top pitching prospects in the organization, Asher Wojciechowski has quietly and steadily become a quality pitching prospect. He’s definitely one to watch this spring because there’s a good chance he’ll be in Houston at some point in 2014. less

15. Although he’s overshadowed by some of the top pitching prospects in the organization, Asher Wojciechowski has quietly and steadily become a quality pitching prospect. He’s definitely one to watch this ... more

Photo: Bryan Terry / The Oklahoman

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16. The 2014 spring training camp will be a bit of a homecoming for several Astros. Relievers Chad Qualls and Matt Albers are returning to the club after long absences. Jesse Crain played at San Jac and UH, and Scott Feldman had originally been drafted by the Astros. less

16. The 2014 spring training camp will be a bit of a homecoming for several Astros. Relievers Chad Qualls and Matt Albers are returning to the club after long absences. Jesse Crain played at San Jac and UH, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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17. On a rotation in need of veteran leadership, righthander Scott Feldman will have plenty of protégés looking up to him this spring. He’s expected to be at the front of the rotation and lead in the clubhouse as well. By all accounts, he has what it takes to set the tone for generations to come. less

17. On a rotation in need of veteran leadership, righthander Scott Feldman will have plenty of protégés looking up to him this spring. He’s expected to be at the front of the rotation and lead in the ... more

Photo: John F. Rhodes / Associated Press

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18. Originally turned away from his tryout in Venezuela because of his lack of height, the diminutive Jose Altuve is now one of the Astros’ anchors. The 2012 All-Star will be counted on to help spark the offense yet again. less

18. Originally turned away from his tryout in Venezuela because of his lack of height, the diminutive Jose Altuve is now one of the Astros’ anchors. The 2012 All-Star will be counted on to help spark the ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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19. Dexter Fowler, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies this winter, will give the Astros a legit leadoff hitter and solid defensive center fielder.

19. Dexter Fowler, who was acquired from the Colorado Rockies this winter, will give the Astros a legit leadoff hitter and solid defensive center fielder.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

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20. After a series of public relations mishaps in 2013, Astros owner Jim Crane has started the year off with a PR home run by agreeing to relocate the Community Leaders billboards. Now he must build on that positive goodwill and refrain from reminding the team that he once said he'd take their advice if they invested $10 million. less

20. After a series of public relations mishaps in 2013, Astros owner Jim Crane has started the year off with a PR home run by agreeing to relocate the Community Leaders billboards. Now he must build on that ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / For the Chronicle

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21. Can Lucas Harrell deliver in 2014 after a disastrous 2013? A year ago Harrell arrived in Kissimmee as a contender for the opening day start, which eventually went to Bud Norris. Harrell bombed in 2013 and was bounced out of the rotation in August. Many folks in the organization still believe in Harrell’s ability, and now he must show that he can be the type of starter the organization envisions. less

21. Can Lucas Harrell deliver in 2014 after a disastrous 2013? A year ago Harrell arrived in Kissimmee as a contender for the opening day start, which eventually went to Bud Norris. Harrell bombed in 2013 and ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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22. Chris Carter set the franchise record for strikeouts in 2013. He also led the team in home runs and RBIs. A bit more contact and fewer strikeouts could definitely help the Astros.

22. Chris Carter set the franchise record for strikeouts in 2013. He also led the team in home runs and RBIs. A bit more contact and fewer strikeouts could definitely help the Astros.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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23. First baseman Brett Wallace and outfielder J.D. Martinez will get another chance to show that they can live up to the high expectations they carried earlier in their careers.

23. First baseman Brett Wallace and outfielder J.D. Martinez will get another chance to show that they can live up to the high expectations they carried earlier in their careers.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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24. A concussion robbed Max Stassi of an opportunity to show what he could do in the majors. He’s likely headed to Class AAA Oklahoma City to start the season, but he’ll have a chance to leave his mark this spring and show that he’ll be ready if something happens to Castro or Carlos Corporan less

24. A concussion robbed Max Stassi of an opportunity to show what he could do in the majors. He’s likely headed to Class AAA Oklahoma City to start the season, but he’ll have a chance to leave his mark ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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25. Josh Zeid and Josh Fields were two of the brightest spots on an otherwise disastrous bullpen after the All-Star break. Now, they must fight for their places in the revamped bullpen.

25. Josh Zeid and Josh Fields were two of the brightest spots on an otherwise disastrous bullpen after the All-Star break. Now, they must fight for their places in the revamped bullpen.